Trudeau steps down as Liberal leader amid growing pressure

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is resigning as Liberal Leader. He made the announcement at Rideau Cottage, his official residence.

His intention is to stay on as Prime Minister until the party chooses a new leader.

Trudeau met with Governor General Mary Simon this morning and asked that Parliament be prorogued until March 24. That will give the Liberals time to hold a leadership race, without the government falling through a confidence vote.

Trudeau says he wants the Liberal party to have the best chance possible of forming government, and the current situation wouldn’t help achieve that.

The move comes after a turbulent few weeks for the Prime Minister that saw calls for him to step down come from the majority of caucus, according to multiple reports. The resignation also comes ahead of a national caucus meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

Calls for Trudeau’s resignation gained traction as polls showed the Conservatives opening a wide lead over the Liberals, and the surprise resignation of his Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in mid-December.